I don't know how to get started planning my trip...
Dec 18th, 2007, 04:05 PM
#21
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My two cents: You definitely have enough time and money to have a great safari. Of course the "ideal" is tented camps everywhere and unlimited time and private game drives... but that's not the only way to have a wonderful experience in Africa.
Just to give you an idea, the Kenya portion of our trip this past September/October was 10 days long, and we stayed in mostly larger, "middle-of-the-road" lodges like the Serenas (with one unexpected upgrade because of overbooking). We had our own private vehicle and driver and did it all by road except for the final flight back to Nairobi from the Masai Mara. By the time we got to the end of our time in Kenya, we were completely floored by the amount of wildlife we'd seen, and the amazing experiences we'd had along the way. We still had another 10 days to go in Tanzania but honestly, if we had stopped the trip right then I would have felt like it was the best trip of my life. The Kenya portion of our trip cost less than $3000 per person. So please don't be discouraged!
Just to give you an idea, the Kenya portion of our trip this past September/October was 10 days long, and we stayed in mostly larger, "middle-of-the-road" lodges like the Serenas (with one unexpected upgrade because of overbooking). We had our own private vehicle and driver and did it all by road except for the final flight back to Nairobi from the Masai Mara. By the time we got to the end of our time in Kenya, we were completely floored by the amount of wildlife we'd seen, and the amazing experiences we'd had along the way. We still had another 10 days to go in Tanzania but honestly, if we had stopped the trip right then I would have felt like it was the best trip of my life. The Kenya portion of our trip cost less than $3000 per person. So please don't be discouraged!
Dec 18th, 2007, 05:02 PM
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East Africa is not as crowded as some people may think. Yes, you'll see other vehicles, but you'll also see those wonderful vistas that you have pictured. When I'm photographing a leopard in a tree, I really don't care if there are people in other vehicles doing the same thing. You'll also see the vast Migration herds in East Africa (if you time it right.) East Africa is also more affordable than southern Africa.
For the Kenya group trip I've got planned for next September, we're staying in a combination of safari lodges and nicer tented camps, including the Royal Mara Lodge which only has 6 tents. If I get my full group of 12, we'll have the whole camp to ourselves. This trip would definitely fit your budget, even with the tented camps. I've got several solo female travelers who are going and I'm matching them up as "roomies". It's amazing how many of the travelers I see in Africa are women. On my last trip to Tanzania, our group ended up being 10 women and we had such a great time traveling together.
For the Kenya group trip I've got planned for next September, we're staying in a combination of safari lodges and nicer tented camps, including the Royal Mara Lodge which only has 6 tents. If I get my full group of 12, we'll have the whole camp to ourselves. This trip would definitely fit your budget, even with the tented camps. I've got several solo female travelers who are going and I'm matching them up as "roomies". It's amazing how many of the travelers I see in Africa are women. On my last trip to Tanzania, our group ended up being 10 women and we had such a great time traveling together.
Dec 18th, 2007, 05:45 PM
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Hi again aknards,
I don't know whether all this advice and suggestions are helping or further clouding the situation! I come back to the "personal" nature of what you want to experience and what you want to see (paricularly animal-wise).
OK, you mentioned a budget of about $6500 in-country. That's about what my October safari cost me (exclusive of air from DC to Jo'burg, it was $6200 [it would be a little higher now in 2008 than it was in 2007]).
Lynn has already posted this link to my abbreviated trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...kmck&fid=4
As a first-timer, I couldn't have been happier. The 10d mobile in Botswana was fabulous, as the trip I was on covered the same territories where solo guests in the permanent tented camps can easily pay $1,000 pppn and up. And guess what? I saw the same great areas and the same amazing animals that they saw for a fraction of the price. If you enjoy camping, or even if you can just put up with it (!), this is a great way to go on what turns out to be a modest budget by Botswana standards.
That $6200 included internal Africa airfare and 4d / 3n at Mala Mala in South Africa (using their one room that they offer without a single supplement). Honestly, I would have been happy ending the trip with the mobile, but MM was great. A very different experience, but as close as you can get to "guaranteed" great wildlife viewing of several elusive species -- especially Leopards, Lions, and Rhino (if you're really lucky, Cheetah and Wild Dog too).
The remoteness of the Botswana mobile, the great variety of ecotones we stayed in and passed through, the closeness to nature of the camping experience, and the amazing diversity of animals, coupled with a few days of relative luxury at MM and it's fantastic game viewing (especially the Leopards), was a perfect introduction to Southern Africa. I'm not trying to sell you a safrai here, but just want to point out that there remain great opportunities out there at prices that you and I can still afford.
One other thing (although there are probably 100 other things) you should be aware of are the ancillary costs of a first trip to Africa. These include things like a visit to a travel medical clinic for shots, pills, and prescriptions (about $300 in my case), upgrades to camera and other travel equipment, provision of cash tips for safari guides, trackers, and camp staff, etc. The more you visit this board and read the threads, the more you will pick up on these "details" as well.
I don't know whether all this advice and suggestions are helping or further clouding the situation! I come back to the "personal" nature of what you want to experience and what you want to see (paricularly animal-wise).
OK, you mentioned a budget of about $6500 in-country. That's about what my October safari cost me (exclusive of air from DC to Jo'burg, it was $6200 [it would be a little higher now in 2008 than it was in 2007]).
Lynn has already posted this link to my abbreviated trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...kmck&fid=4
As a first-timer, I couldn't have been happier. The 10d mobile in Botswana was fabulous, as the trip I was on covered the same territories where solo guests in the permanent tented camps can easily pay $1,000 pppn and up. And guess what? I saw the same great areas and the same amazing animals that they saw for a fraction of the price. If you enjoy camping, or even if you can just put up with it (!), this is a great way to go on what turns out to be a modest budget by Botswana standards.
That $6200 included internal Africa airfare and 4d / 3n at Mala Mala in South Africa (using their one room that they offer without a single supplement). Honestly, I would have been happy ending the trip with the mobile, but MM was great. A very different experience, but as close as you can get to "guaranteed" great wildlife viewing of several elusive species -- especially Leopards, Lions, and Rhino (if you're really lucky, Cheetah and Wild Dog too).
The remoteness of the Botswana mobile, the great variety of ecotones we stayed in and passed through, the closeness to nature of the camping experience, and the amazing diversity of animals, coupled with a few days of relative luxury at MM and it's fantastic game viewing (especially the Leopards), was a perfect introduction to Southern Africa. I'm not trying to sell you a safrai here, but just want to point out that there remain great opportunities out there at prices that you and I can still afford.
One other thing (although there are probably 100 other things) you should be aware of are the ancillary costs of a first trip to Africa. These include things like a visit to a travel medical clinic for shots, pills, and prescriptions (about $300 in my case), upgrades to camera and other travel equipment, provision of cash tips for safari guides, trackers, and camp staff, etc. The more you visit this board and read the threads, the more you will pick up on these "details" as well.
Dec 18th, 2007, 05:50 PM
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Dec 18th, 2007, 07:06 PM
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rickmck,
Thanks for the reminder about "ancillary" costs...every party needs a pooper. Nah, just fooling, I asked for the hard facts when I signed on this board. Actually, I already figured on an additional grand, (and that's probably not enough), based on what I read from other people's comments.
I look forward to reading your report.
Thanks for the reminder about "ancillary" costs...every party needs a pooper. Nah, just fooling, I asked for the hard facts when I signed on this board. Actually, I already figured on an additional grand, (and that's probably not enough), based on what I read from other people's comments.
I look forward to reading your report.
Dec 18th, 2007, 07:31 PM
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ShayTay...I think you're just the one to answer my question. I've been reading for days now, posted a question but didn't get much response, but aknards seems to have worded it better then me. I want to take my son to Africa before he starts HS next August. We can go anywhere in Africa between Second week of March up to when school begins. He LOVES animals, wants to work with them, loves the big cats in particular. You've been there ALOT....if you could go anywhere in Africa with no budget, what would be your dream trip? We can be gone for up to about 3 weeks, give or take. We can stop over....we are in Northern Ca so we can go west (we travel alot to the UK and Canada. and somewhat Hawaii, and I prefer going west only because we just back from Italy a few months ago and I don't want to go the same way..make sense?) I don't mind stop=overs for a few days here or there on the way or way back. Where would you go, and how would you get there? What haven't you done that you would love to do? What would be the ultimate trip, in your qualified opinion? Really appreciate your input. I always try and counter help from others with visiting boards I can return the favor to someone else...so I', off the the UK board. Will check back here tomorrow!!
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Dec 19th, 2007, 06:39 AM
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maasai/Paul
Wow! I went to sleep and woke up to a travel guide and sample itinerary. You're either very kind, or very tired of hearing us newbies whine "I don't know how to get started planning my trip", or both.
Thanks for taking so much time.
Wow! I went to sleep and woke up to a travel guide and sample itinerary. You're either very kind, or very tired of hearing us newbies whine "I don't know how to get started planning my trip", or both.
Thanks for taking so much time.
Dec 19th, 2007, 07:00 AM
#32
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aknards,
Be wary of posters who get a little too detailed and specific on their recommendations to you. You can click on the posters name, and on the left all their previous posts will pop up. You can then tell pretty quickly if they are just a fellow traveler with good advice or somebody who is pushing a pretty consistent agenda.
I spent two years planning my Sept/Oct. 2007 trip to Kenya/Tanzania, so I, along with everybody here, know what you are going through, and you are getting good advice. I will repeat what was said:
1) come up with a budget
2) determine your destination
3) determine your travel times
(sometimes travel times will help to determine where you go--if you can only travel at certain times, you would go to where the best game viewing is for that time of year. You indicated you could go anytime, so that might not be an issue. However, really think about when would be best to travel for you. That might help narrow down the destination choices, which could make decision making easier. Unless you could pick the one destination that you absolutely HAVE to see, which would be the nicest way to go, and the time of year would follow. But it does not sound like you can do that....?)
After you come up with a region and a time of year, you can start to explore actual parks and camps. Don't get involved in that part yet, it is too much distraction.
You have enough money budgeted to do a beautiful safari, and enough time to do it.
Be wary of posters who get a little too detailed and specific on their recommendations to you. You can click on the posters name, and on the left all their previous posts will pop up. You can then tell pretty quickly if they are just a fellow traveler with good advice or somebody who is pushing a pretty consistent agenda.
I spent two years planning my Sept/Oct. 2007 trip to Kenya/Tanzania, so I, along with everybody here, know what you are going through, and you are getting good advice. I will repeat what was said:
1) come up with a budget
2) determine your destination
3) determine your travel times
(sometimes travel times will help to determine where you go--if you can only travel at certain times, you would go to where the best game viewing is for that time of year. You indicated you could go anytime, so that might not be an issue. However, really think about when would be best to travel for you. That might help narrow down the destination choices, which could make decision making easier. Unless you could pick the one destination that you absolutely HAVE to see, which would be the nicest way to go, and the time of year would follow. But it does not sound like you can do that....?)
After you come up with a region and a time of year, you can start to explore actual parks and camps. Don't get involved in that part yet, it is too much distraction.
You have enough money budgeted to do a beautiful safari, and enough time to do it.
Dec 19th, 2007, 07:22 AM
#33
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maasai's stuff not only sounds like it came out of his brochure, it in fact did come directly from his brochure:
http://www.destination-connect.com/k...eastafrica.htm
I would avoid, like the plague, anyone who advertises like that on Fodor's.
http://www.destination-connect.com/k...eastafrica.htm
I would avoid, like the plague, anyone who advertises like that on Fodor's.
Dec 19th, 2007, 07:53 AM
#34
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Aknards
I didn't mean to make fun when I asked if your mental vision of Africa was those wide open savannahs and thorn trees - I think it's one that many of us have/had and it comes from the many films of the '70s and '80s based in Kenya and Tanzania.
The reason I mentioned it is because, although I too think Botswana is one of the most incredible places on earth for wildlife lovers, it's a very different landscape to that of East Africa's savannahs. Then again, there's little on earth to rival the Okavango Delta especially when combined with places such as the Makgadikadi Pans, Linyanti/ Chobe.
However, for lions, elephants and giraffes you will certainly be extremely well served by East Africa and will be able to visit that internal vision of your dreams too.
Certain parks are best for certain animals. Those who have many visits under their belt or have returned more recently are in a better position to advise on that front than I.
To keep costs down you could easily spend the entire two weeks in Kenya or Tanzania alone. In Kenya you can create an itinerary taking in some of the following parks/reserves/conservancies: Mara, Meru, Aberdares, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo plus perhaps one of the Lakes if you are interested in a wider variety of environments. In Tanzania you could create an itinerary including destinations such as Serengeti, Ngorngoro, Tarangire, Manyara, Ruaha and many more and perhaps include a side-trip to Mahale.
I would certainly do some internet research to find out more about these destinations so that you can narrow down to one or a combination of two countries.
Create a very rough draft of which parks you'd like to visit and at that point contact a safari planner, agent or operator to find out whether the chosen places combine well together in terms of transport between them and so on. At that point you can start working on the details and selecting actual camps/lodges based on price and preferences!
I didn't mean to make fun when I asked if your mental vision of Africa was those wide open savannahs and thorn trees - I think it's one that many of us have/had and it comes from the many films of the '70s and '80s based in Kenya and Tanzania.
The reason I mentioned it is because, although I too think Botswana is one of the most incredible places on earth for wildlife lovers, it's a very different landscape to that of East Africa's savannahs. Then again, there's little on earth to rival the Okavango Delta especially when combined with places such as the Makgadikadi Pans, Linyanti/ Chobe.
However, for lions, elephants and giraffes you will certainly be extremely well served by East Africa and will be able to visit that internal vision of your dreams too.
Certain parks are best for certain animals. Those who have many visits under their belt or have returned more recently are in a better position to advise on that front than I.
To keep costs down you could easily spend the entire two weeks in Kenya or Tanzania alone. In Kenya you can create an itinerary taking in some of the following parks/reserves/conservancies: Mara, Meru, Aberdares, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo plus perhaps one of the Lakes if you are interested in a wider variety of environments. In Tanzania you could create an itinerary including destinations such as Serengeti, Ngorngoro, Tarangire, Manyara, Ruaha and many more and perhaps include a side-trip to Mahale.
I would certainly do some internet research to find out more about these destinations so that you can narrow down to one or a combination of two countries.
Create a very rough draft of which parks you'd like to visit and at that point contact a safari planner, agent or operator to find out whether the chosen places combine well together in terms of transport between them and so on. At that point you can start working on the details and selecting actual camps/lodges based on price and preferences!
Dec 19th, 2007, 07:54 AM
#35
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It was quite obvious to me that masaai's info wasn't original and that he surely must be "in the industry". However, even if he did cut and paste his response, he took the time, so I thought it deserved a "thanks".
And, thanks to the rest of you for looking after us newcomers but, rest assured, while I'm Africa naive, I'm not naive...
And, thanks to the rest of you for looking after us newcomers but, rest assured, while I'm Africa naive, I'm not naive...
Dec 19th, 2007, 09:16 AM
#36
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Aknards,
I've skipped the last dozen or so posts for now. I am just answering "who are you guys?"
Answering for one guy only, actually a gal...I am somebody who loves nature and so my travels all revolve around it. Africa has become my favorite destination. In order to visit this magical (and expensive) destination every few years or more, my entire lifestyle is adjusted accordingly. That would be a downward adjustment.
I am not employed in the travel industry or related to any agent, outfitter, etc.
This site seems to be the best outlet for discussing Africa so it has become an almost daily routine. It appears others feel the same way and many of us have become buddies here.
I have met a total of 3 Fodorites while traveling in Africa. I keep a loose contact with one of them. I hope to travel with a couple more that I have met on this board. Others have paired or tripled up for trips together in the past. Speaking of...in Aug of 2009 Divewop, me, and hopefully some others want to do several gorilla visits in Rwanda, then maybe Kenya. You can see if that would be of any interest to you.
That brings me to a question you posed elsewhere on Kenya and the US state dept warning.
The warning has been there and is since about 2001 and is updated about every 6 months. Tourism to Kenya from all over the world is at record (or near record) numbers. That can actually pose some problems during high season.
Check the wording of the US Kenya warning vs. places like Iraq, Afghanistan, or other hot spots. It is not as daunting.
Numerous conservative, respectable, reliable travel companies that do not want to risk problems with their clients have been running fully booked Kenya trips for years now. Examples: A&K, OAT, Globus, Tauk, Natural Habitat. There are many more.
If you choose Kenya (and I am planning a return) just check any travel insurance you may purchase. Some reduce coverage in areas with a State Dept. warning.
I think there is actually a "Worldwide Caution" warning that is currently in effect. That's for going anywhere.
I am cautious in my traveling and am not planning trips to Iran or Democratic Republic of Congo. But I'd go to Kenya.
I'll look at all those other posts later to see what destinations you are leaning toward. Your question has generated some great responses and will be a good thread to refer others to in the future.
I've skipped the last dozen or so posts for now. I am just answering "who are you guys?"
Answering for one guy only, actually a gal...I am somebody who loves nature and so my travels all revolve around it. Africa has become my favorite destination. In order to visit this magical (and expensive) destination every few years or more, my entire lifestyle is adjusted accordingly. That would be a downward adjustment.
I am not employed in the travel industry or related to any agent, outfitter, etc.
This site seems to be the best outlet for discussing Africa so it has become an almost daily routine. It appears others feel the same way and many of us have become buddies here.
I have met a total of 3 Fodorites while traveling in Africa. I keep a loose contact with one of them. I hope to travel with a couple more that I have met on this board. Others have paired or tripled up for trips together in the past. Speaking of...in Aug of 2009 Divewop, me, and hopefully some others want to do several gorilla visits in Rwanda, then maybe Kenya. You can see if that would be of any interest to you.
That brings me to a question you posed elsewhere on Kenya and the US state dept warning.
The warning has been there and is since about 2001 and is updated about every 6 months. Tourism to Kenya from all over the world is at record (or near record) numbers. That can actually pose some problems during high season.
Check the wording of the US Kenya warning vs. places like Iraq, Afghanistan, or other hot spots. It is not as daunting.
Numerous conservative, respectable, reliable travel companies that do not want to risk problems with their clients have been running fully booked Kenya trips for years now. Examples: A&K, OAT, Globus, Tauk, Natural Habitat. There are many more.
If you choose Kenya (and I am planning a return) just check any travel insurance you may purchase. Some reduce coverage in areas with a State Dept. warning.
I think there is actually a "Worldwide Caution" warning that is currently in effect. That's for going anywhere.
I am cautious in my traveling and am not planning trips to Iran or Democratic Republic of Congo. But I'd go to Kenya.
I'll look at all those other posts later to see what destinations you are leaning toward. Your question has generated some great responses and will be a good thread to refer others to in the future.
Dec 19th, 2007, 10:14 AM
#37
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Welcome to Fodor's aknards! You've gotten some really great info here, which doesn't surprise me, but still makes me very glad.
Kudos to you too for posting such a clear first post; you gave everybody a lot to go on. A nice introduction to who you are as a traveler...
Anyway, welcome to Fodor's!
Kudos to you too for posting such a clear first post; you gave everybody a lot to go on. A nice introduction to who you are as a traveler...
Anyway, welcome to Fodor's!
Dec 19th, 2007, 10:44 AM
#38
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Hi, Last year at this time I was in the same predicament. I asked the Fodor readers for comments on a safari with a tour group.They said to ditch the planned tour. I could get a private safari for the same cost even. I hadn't thought I could afford a private safari. They helped me plan a 10 night itinerary for Kenya, then I emailed the itinerary to several operators directly- Naked Wilderness, Eastern and Southern, Good Earth, Southern Cross. They all answered promptly and courteously. I narrowed it down to 2-E and S and Naked Wilderness, which had very similar prices for the same tour. I decided on Naked Wilderness because they promised me the guide that I asked for, while E and S wouldn't. We were extremely happy with Naked Wilderness and our guide, Dominique. He was so knowledgable about the animals, plants, culture, and history, attentive to our every request and went out of his way so we could see everything, plus he had a great sense of humor. Everything was handled professionally and courteously.I had dragged my reluctant boyfriend there, but after 3 days, he thanked me for getting him to go. It was truly a trip of a lifetime. Our tour was private, but they also do group tours so you could be with others.
The website is Naked Wilderness.com. Good luck with your planning. If you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer. Joan
The website is Naked Wilderness.com. Good luck with your planning. If you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer. Joan
Dec 19th, 2007, 03:24 PM
#39
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Hi, I am also a novice here, so I understand your dilemma. I did a major budget, sadly short trip to Kenya in 2006, and now , like everyone else, I am dying to go back but have no budget. If I had your budget and your flexibility of time,and your lifelong dream, and your freedom from a man, I would think about keeping costs down and staying for a longer time. I love the animals, but for me my trip would not have been complete without connections with the people, and I would search for more of that if I ever get to go back.
There are a lot of experts here, but if you want some ideas on stretching the money to stay longer, you might check out my trip report. I also live in NC, in Raleigh. You don't live in the Triangle area , do you? This was my report: TRIP REPORT
ART I: BUDGET, NOVICE TRIP TO ETHIOPIA AND KENYA
There is a State Dept website where you can register your trip with them. I think if something did go wrong, it might expedite help and
communication.
The shots were a big expense I did not budget for, but my insurance (BC Federal) did end up paying a good bit, even after they told me they wouldn't.
We only had 2 days in the Mara and one day in Nakuru, but we saw many lions, so many giraffes our guide was tired of stopping for us to take pics, but not as many elephants. I thought we saw an amazing array of animals in a short time and the wildebeast crossing the river with the crocodiles and hippos lying in wait, but more days definitely would have been much better, especially for the pictures I am sure you want to take. We loved the baby elephants at the orphanage in Nairobi. If you love them, adopt one (it was $50/ year in 2006)and you can help feed your animal yourself in the afternoon.
Anyway, just a few thoughts.... The best of luck to you as you finally follow your dream.
There are a lot of experts here, but if you want some ideas on stretching the money to stay longer, you might check out my trip report. I also live in NC, in Raleigh. You don't live in the Triangle area , do you? This was my report: TRIP REPORT
ART I: BUDGET, NOVICE TRIP TO ETHIOPIA AND KENYAThere is a State Dept website where you can register your trip with them. I think if something did go wrong, it might expedite help and
communication.
The shots were a big expense I did not budget for, but my insurance (BC Federal) did end up paying a good bit, even after they told me they wouldn't.
We only had 2 days in the Mara and one day in Nakuru, but we saw many lions, so many giraffes our guide was tired of stopping for us to take pics, but not as many elephants. I thought we saw an amazing array of animals in a short time and the wildebeast crossing the river with the crocodiles and hippos lying in wait, but more days definitely would have been much better, especially for the pictures I am sure you want to take. We loved the baby elephants at the orphanage in Nairobi. If you love them, adopt one (it was $50/ year in 2006)and you can help feed your animal yourself in the afternoon.
Anyway, just a few thoughts.... The best of luck to you as you finally follow your dream.
Dec 19th, 2007, 03:41 PM
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You all are amazing. I suddenly feel like those Verizon ads (or is it Cingular?), where the guy is followed around by hundreds of support personnel. I'm no longer alone - I've got my cadre of Fodor's friends at my side, offering help and assistance whenever I need it. If I could, I'd call for a group hug!
Lynn - I appreciate your comments about Kenya and advisories. I wasn't particularly freaked about it, but had encountered a few travel sites that'd suspended tours there, so was just wondering. Also, I'm incredibly flattered that you'd offer me a space in your upcoming adventure but gorillas, for me, will have to wait until I've seen my Big 3 - lions, elephants and giraffes.
Katie H.- thanks for the nice welcome. This Board is awesome.
joanw - did you post a travel report on your trip? If so, I'd love to read it.
efitness - haven't had a chance to look at your link but I'll thank you in advance.
Lynn - I appreciate your comments about Kenya and advisories. I wasn't particularly freaked about it, but had encountered a few travel sites that'd suspended tours there, so was just wondering. Also, I'm incredibly flattered that you'd offer me a space in your upcoming adventure but gorillas, for me, will have to wait until I've seen my Big 3 - lions, elephants and giraffes.
Katie H.- thanks for the nice welcome. This Board is awesome.
joanw - did you post a travel report on your trip? If so, I'd love to read it.
efitness - haven't had a chance to look at your link but I'll thank you in advance.
